Microsoft Word is one of the most used tools for productivity, but there is nothing worse than dealing with the famous Not Responding message. Whether that’s during drafting, while you’re saving your work, or any other action, this problem can interrupt your workflow. This guide provides effective solutions to get Microsoft Word running smoothly again.
Note: We’re a third-party support service specializing in resolving Microsoft Word issues. While we’re not directly affiliated with Microsoft, we can provide expert assistance for MS Word-related errors.
Why Does Microsoft Word Stop Responding?
There are several reasons why Word may freeze or stop responding:
- Add-in Conflicts: Third-party add-ins may interfere with Word’s functionality.
- Corrupt Word Documents: A damaged file can cause Word to hang.
- Insufficient System Resources: Low memory or disk space can slow Word down.
- Outdated Software: Running an outdated version of Word or Windows.
- Faulty Installation: Corrupted installation files can lead to instability.
- Large or Complex Documents: Files with many elements, like images and tables, can overwhelm Word.
How to Fix Microsoft Word Not Responding
1. Restart Microsoft Word.
- Close Word using Task Manager:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Find Microsoft Word, select it, and click End Task.
- Reopen Word and check if the issue persists.
2. Open Word in Safe Mode
- Safe Mode turns off all add-ins and runs Word with default configurations.
- Press Ctrl while launching Word, or use winword /safe in the Run dialog (Windows + R).
- If Word is working in Safe Mode, turn off the offending add-ins:
- Select File > Options > Add-ins.
- Select Manage: COM Add-ins and click Go.
- Uncheck unnecessary add-ins and restart Word.
3. Repair Corrupt Documents
- If a specific file is causing the issue, repair it:
- Open Word and click File > Open.
- Select the file and click the dropdown arrow next to Open.
- Choose Open and Repair.
4. Update Microsoft Word
- Keeping Word up-to-date ensures compatibility and fixes bugs.
- Go to File > Account > Update Options and select Update Now.
5. Disable Hardware Acceleration
- Open Word and go to File > Options > Advanced.
- Scroll down to the Display section and check Disable hardware graphics acceleration.
- Restart Word.
6. Clear Temporary Files
- Temporary files can clog your system and cause Word to freeze.
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%, and press Enter. - Delete unnecessary files from the folder.
7. Check System Resources
- Ensure your computer has enough RAM and disk space to run Word efficiently.
- Close unnecessary programs to free up resources.
8. Repair Microsoft Office Installation
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
- Select Microsoft Office and click Change.
- Choose Quick Repair or Online Repair, and follow the prompts.
9. Reinstall Microsoft Office
- If none of the above works, uninstall and reinstall Office:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
- Select Microsoft Office and click Uninstall.
- Download and reinstall Office from your Microsoft account.
Preventing Future Issues
- Save Frequently—Utilize autosave options and save your work regularly.
- Documents: Backup open files in cloud storage or external drives.
- Update Software: Frequent updates help in smooth operation.
- Avoid Large Files: Split large documents into smaller files if possible.
Conclusion
Microsoft Word not responding can be frustrating, but these solutions should help you identify and fix the problem quickly. From disabling add-ins to repairing installation files, these steps are designed to get you back to work with minimal downtime. If the problem persists, consider seeking professional help for a deeper resolution.